Roshan Tolani asked:


The pharmaceutical sciences have saved millions of lives and improved quality of life by playing an important role in the discovery and development of new drugs and drug therapies. As science and medicine evolve and discoveries are made at an astonishing rate, the pharmaceutical industry continues to generate billions of dollars and employ top researchers and professionals.

With accelerating advances in science and technology, the pharmaceutical industry has entered its most promising period yet for new drug development. Pharmaceutical companies are using new knowledge and techniques to attack the root causes—rather than just the symptoms—of diseases and thus are revolutionizing the ways in which new drugs are discovered and developed.

The Disciplines of the Pharmaceutical Sciences

The pharmaceutical sciences can be broadly categorized according to the following disciplines:

* Drug discovery: This discipline deals with the design and synthesis of new drug molecules and includes medicinal chemistry, combinatorial chemistry, and biotechnology.

* Drug delivery: This discipline deals with designing the forms of drug dosages and their delivery to patients. Those involved in drug delivery work to determine the best concentrations of and schedules for drugs. Sciences related to this field include pharmaceutics, biomaterials, and pharmacokinetics.

* Drug action: This discipline examines the actions of drugs in living systems. Sciences dealing with drug action include molecular biology, pharmacology, pharmacodynamics, toxicology, and biochemistry.

* Clinical sciences: This discipline deals with the use of drugs to treat diseases. Drugs’ properties, such as efficacy, adverse effects, drug-to-drug interactions, and bioavailability, are tested in clinical trials.

* Drug analysis: This discipline deals with the separation, identification, and quantification of components of drugs.

* Cost effectiveness: This discipline deals with the economics of drug usage.

* Regulatory affairs: This discipline deals with the coordination of academia, industry, and regulatory bodies.

Careers in the Pharmaceutical Industry

The research-based pharmaceutical industry is one of the strongest components of the American economy and leads the world in discovering and developing innovative new life-saving medicines.

Almost half of the most important global drugs developed between 1975 and 1994 originated in the U.S. U.S. companies developed 370 new medicines to fight dreaded diseases during this period. In 2000, the market value of the industry was greater than $379 million. The field offers a myriad of opportunities to pharmaceutical scientists.

Pharmaceutical companies employ several hundred thousand professionals in a variety of jobs in the U.S. In view of the demand for well-trained professionals, the earning potential of pharmacists is very high. According to an American Pharmaceutical Association report, pharmacists’ salaries range from around $40,000 to $70,000.

Is a Career in Pharmaceutical Sciences Right for Me?

The pharmaceutical field is a good choice for those who:

* want to work in laboratories

* desire to contribute to the health and well-being of society

* love science and excel in the subject

* enjoy professional challenges

* enjoy finding solutions to medical problems baffling scientific communities

How Can I Become a Pharmaceutical Scientist?

Get an undergraduate or advanced college degree in pharmacy, chemistry, biology, medicine, or a related field. There are many who became pharmaceutical scientists after obtaining degrees in economics, marketing, business, or other non-scientific subjects. To work as a registered pharmacist, one needs to satisfy both national and state licensing requirements. Some states require fulfillment of a certain number of continuing education credits annually to stay abreast of developments in the field.

Synapse India asked:


Science and technology education are co-related with each other and cannot be separated to gain the real meaning and essence of science education. From last many years, science education has seen numerous changes and transformations to pass on the true value of scientific theories and strategies.

It is very true that the science is nothing without the study of technology. In other words, it is not wrong to say that the combination is just like soul without the body. Interestingly, major accomplishments in science are always accompanied by right usage and applications of technology. As a result, for getting a complete science education, a person needs to be committed towards gaining the right knowledge, content and processes of the subject.

Generally, science education involves teaching of the scientific body of knowledge, the processes and activities of scientific work. Therefore, for imparting the right knowledge and educations, science teachers must be clear about the concept. Also, they need to be influenced by several teaching techniques including the learning capabilities of students while interacting with physical materials.

An expert science tutor is the one who keeps a close eye on the digital development and the growing scientific nuances. He or she should have a formal education, training and qualification in formal science teaching and its techniques. These experts should have analytical ability and possess evaluation powers on developing information technology in the science curriculum.

Find a Science Tutor:

In this growing competitive world, science education has become really necessary. The subject has emerged as the backbone of the overall growth of a person and in order to earn a leading edge. Finding a good science tutor is not difficult at all. You can browse through the internet and find many tutors of different subjects. Try to know your child’s difficulty and problems while finding the most appropriate help for him or her.

John W. Martin asked:

Science & Technology – The Developments that Shape Our Future

www.yallways.com

Science and technology are broad terms that refer to all the concepts and devices created through human research and development. The ultimate goal of these constructs is to influence the way humans interact with their environment. While we frequently think of tangible items and inventions, science and technology also includes theories and conceptual systems. Science and technology are fields that are growing at an exponential rate and have a profound impact on our society.

One of the fastest growing areas of science and technology is communication. New inventions and improvements are truly making the world a smaller place. It is now possible to communicate instantly with virtually anyone on the planet. Additionally, communication can take the form of text, audio, or video transmissions. Unfortunately, science and technology are not always used for peaceful purposes. Weapons design and manufacture is a profitable industry, and numerous researchers are involved in this area. Recently, though, more and more developers have focused on creating non-lethal and passive weapons technology.

New developments frequently lead to controversy. For example, advances in stem-cell research have led to heated debate related to the morality of this field of experimentation. The use of human embryonic stem cells may be the key to curing countless diseases and medical conditions. However, research involves the destruction of human embryos. Thus, some people have argued this research is akin to murder and promotes the devaluation of human life.

Another controversial field is located at the other end of the scientific spectrum; the creation of life, both biological and artificial. Recent advancements have allowed scientists to use technology to fertilize human embryos, clone animals, and alter genetics. In fact, researchers have experimented with cross-breeding to produce entirely new species of plants and animals. Among the most profound are the liger, a lion/tiger cross, and the cama, a llama/camel hybrid. Additionally, progress has been made towards developing artificial intelligence. An artificially intelligent construct would be a man-made machine capable of observing and adapting to its environment.

Those who support scientific and technological advancements have also formulated specific ideologies to express their goals. Most notably, transhumanism has developed as a philosophy which supports the use of science and technology to enhance mankind’s cognitive and physical abilities. They foresee an inevitable future where humans will reach a “posthuman” state combining the body with technological improvements. Another pro-advancement ideology is techno-progressivism. This philosophy expounds the idea that technology can be used to enhance democracy and provide greater societal freedoms. Thus, techno-progressives believe in a moral and ethical use of new technologies and appropriate regulation of scientific advancements.

Science and technology can ultimately make our lives more efficient. However, no advancement is without its drawbacks. Thus, controversial research and harmful developments will inevitably continue. Ultimately, though, this is unlikely to deter future research. In fact, it seems researchers are more determined than ever to continue manipulating science and technology to develop new, innovative concepts.

Manjari Peiris asked:

The governments of India and Sri Lanka recently signed an agreement on cooperation in the fields of science and technology considering that the development of scientific and technical relations shall be of mutual benefit to both countries.

Accordingly the two countries in accordance with national laws and regulations would exchange scientists, research workers, technologists, specialists, scholars, scientific and technical information and documentation.

Also arrangements would be made to organize bilateral scientific and technical seminars, workshops and courses on problems of interest to both countries.

This agreement would also  facilitate with the training of young scientific workers by granting fellowships on the basis of exchange, joint identification of the potential for research cooperation stemming from scientific and technical challenges in trade and industry,  including joint research projects, exchange of experience and know-how, organization of exhibitions demonstrating the achievements of both countries in the field of science and technology, etc.

Picture shows the two ministers signing the agreement

The Science & Technology Ministers of the SEARO region met for the first time recently in New Delhi. The objective of this meeting was to bring the benefits of science and technology to the people of SAARC  and to strengthen the regional cooperation in the area of science and technology through focused collaboration in prioritized  sectors which clear modalities for implementation.

The SAARC countries recognize that South Asia is host to one of the largest pools of scientific and technological manpower skills and local talent in the region which enabled the region to reap the benefits of Green Revolution, White Revolution, the IT Revolution and the Micro-Credit-Grameen Bank Revolution.

The countries recognize the importance of science and technology in the daily lives of the people of South Asia and are aware of the need for development of scientific temper for dealing with developmental challenges in the region. They believe that the SAARC community should actively cooperate to improve capacity in science and technology in evolving science and technology advantaged countries in the region.

The best way of doing so is strengthening intra-regional cooperation in science and technology through establishment of a virtual SAARC technology information web portal on a voluntary basis and through organization of SAARC seminars on issues of current relevance such as renewable energy, solid waste management and water treatment and sanitation.

Picture shows the SEARO region Science & Technology Ministers and senior officials. The meeting held for two days and on the first day the senior officials met and the following day the Ministers met.

Sent by Manjari Peiris

Matthew J James asked:

North West Science and Technology has led to many cutting edge scientific breakthroughs, such as Britain’s first aeroplane, the birth of the first test tube baby, splitting the atom, and the world’s first computer. Science and Technology is continuing to develop rapidly in this region, and many global brands, ranging from medical research to military aircraft have significant research and design facilities in the North West. Over 25% of the region’s £106 billion economy comes from Science and Technology companies.

1. North West universities play a key role in Science and Technology, and have a combined turnover of over £1.2 billion, almost 1% of the region’s total economy. Leading companies, including those in the Aerospace Business, automotive supply and manufacturing companies, nuclear energy and medical research are closely linked to North West universities. More than 50,000 North West students graduate every year, including 25,000 with life science degrees. Over 69,000 science students are trained every year.

2. The Aerospace Business in the North West has a turnover of £6 billion, and is responsible for producing military and commercial aircraft and components which are used both in the UK and exported worldwide. Extensive R&D programmes ensure that the latest technologies are available to create the most advanced planes in the world. Countries all over the world rely on the North West Aerospace Business for their military and commercial aircraft requirements

3. The Chemistry Industry plays a vital role in the North West, and sales of chemicals contribute over £10 billion to the economy, equating to approximately 20% of the UK chemistry industry. Approximately 220,000 people are employed in this sector. In 2005, the Department of Trade and Industry announced that as part of the Technology Programme, one of the 19 new Knowledge Transfer Networks (KTNs) would be in Chemistry in the North West. KTNs help to share knowledge and research between businesses, academic institutions such as universities, and trade associations.

4. The North West and Cumbria in particular, is widely acknowledged as the centre of the UK Nuclear Energy industry, and is home to the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. The research and development work done in this region has led the Government to conclude that utilising nuclear energy is part of a viable solution to meeting the energy needs of the UK.

5. There are over 50 research institutes, many of them multi-institutional, as well as traditional R&D departments. The North West is home to the Research and Development departments of several of the worlds leading companies, and business R&D investment in this region is greater than in any other part of the world except Asia. Recent reports show that 4 of the top 10 companies by R&D spending have significant facilities in the North West. Pharmaceutical development, including the largest cancer drug research centre in the UK, Aerospace Businesses, manufacturers of consumer products, as well as the Chemistry Industry and Nuclear Energy are well represented in the North West.

6. The North West’s seven science parks are home to many knowledge-based companies in diverse industries ranging from providing education to Nuclear Energy and decommissioning. Strong links to universities as well as research institutes and centres of knowledge, in the UK and abroad, help to ensure that Science and Technology in the North West is second to none.

7. Dedicated Strategic Science and Technology sites have been set up throughout the North West, and Manchester is aiming to become one of the UK’s first six Science Cities by 2015.

Manchester Science Park is internationally recognised as a centre of excellence, and is one of the most successful of its kind. Tenants include specialists in healthcare, telecoms, and digital media.

The Daresbury Science and Innovation Campus, near Warrington in Cheshire, is home to leading companies in diverse industries ranging from healthcare research to business support services. The nearby Daresbury Laboratory is one of the best-resourced science facilities in the UK.

Liverpool Science Park, right in the centre of Liverpool, is the fastest growing science park in the UK, and contains computer games, website design and software companies as well as solicitors specialising in intellectual property and technology law. Speke, also in Liverpool, is home to the National Biomanufacturing Centre, which is set to become the leading biopaharmaceutical design centre in Europe, and helps to create and develop new medicines

West Cumbria Science Park, near Whitehaven, has over 60 companies on site, ranging from ecology to engineering, many of which are involved in the Nuclear Energy Industry.

A Science Park in Lancaster is scheduled for development this year, and will be located close to the top-ten ranked university. This exciting new project will combine the renowned academic knowledge and resources of the University with local businesses know-how and the Lancaster Environment Centre.

8. With Manchester recently voted the most creative city in the UK, and Liverpool’s reputation as one of the leading cities for computer game design, the North West is at the forefront of new technologies as well as traditional Science and Technology. The use of ICT in education, website design and internet technologies, TV and film production, as well as other media industries, is all flourishing in the region, thanks to Science and Technology.

9. As well as looking to the future, the region’s scientific history is preserved through museums such as the World Museum in Liverpool, Quarry Bank Mill in Styal, Cheshire, and Wigan Pier. Visual displays as well as hands-on activities, demonstrations and different media show how Science and Technology has changed our lives, from mechanising everyday tasks to revolutionising manufacturing methods.

10. As well as the outstanding Science and Technology facilities, the North West is a popular business location thanks to its fantastic infrastructure. Within reach of 3 international airports, and a great motorway system, the North West is closer than you may think. In addition, the North West has many Areas of Natural Outstanding Beauty and the standard of living is high.

There has never been a better time to see how North West Science and Technology can help you.